Taiwan’s CEC fights back against election fraud rumors

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Election Commission (CEC) on Wednesday (Jan. 17) stated they had written to legal and law enforcement agencies, including the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, to legally investigate rumors of election fraud.

Following the presidential and legislative elections held last Saturday, false messages about election corruption have proliferated online, with internet influencers such as YouTuber Alisasa and Bit King spreading these rumors, seriously defaming the CEC and election staff.

The CEC convened a press conference on Monday, gathering evidence provided by the public and the evidence it holds.

The CEC said these lies have caused societal tension and confusion, and people have reported these rumors to the CEC. To clear the air, the CEC urged the public not to spread rumors of election manipulation, which could harm the hard-earned democratic achievements of Taiwan.

The CEC clarified the election had ended, and at all voting places nationwide, there were supervisors recommended by various parties overseeing the voting and counting. Even if a small number of staff did not follow the rules, it is impossible for the illegal manipulation described in online rumors to have happened.

If the public has evidence related to election rumors, they can submit it to related legal authorities for investigation.

Finally, the CEC reminded that individuals who fabricate and spread false information will bear legal responsibility and urged citizens to defend the democracy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and jointly resist election rumors.